Fillmore Church Youth Coordinator Sentenced For Lewd Acts On A Child

Tuesday January 23, 2024

     Updated--The former youth coordinator for a Fillmore church has been sentenced for committing lewd acts on a child.

     A jury in December found 63-year-old Vidal Vargas Morales of Fillmore guilty of one felony count of lewd acts upon a child.

    The judge then found true a special allegation that Morales took advantage of a position of trust.

     The female victim was 15 years old and attending catechism classes at Saint Francis of Assisi Church in the fall of 2013 when Morales began what prosecutors said were inappropriate communications with her, both verbally and through text messages.

      Prosecutors said that in early November of 2013 Morales grabbed and fondled the victim.

      The crime was not reported until years later.

      The victim testified at the trial.

      There was also testimony during the trial from other victims who had similar experiences with Morales.

      Tuesday the judge sentenced Morales to two years in state prison.

       He must also register as a sex offender and pay restitution.

       A hearing on restitution was set for January 31st.